Pickleball is an increasingly popular sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It’s played with a paddle and a plastic ball, on either an indoor or outdoor court. The rise of pickleball has been swift over the last few years, as more people discover its captivating gameplay.
History of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Originally, the game was called “paddle tennis” and featured elements of badminton, ping pong, and tennis. The name “pickleball” came about as a result of Joel Pritchard’s kids referring to it as “the pickle game”!
Popularity of Pickleball
It didn’t take long for people to start taking notice of the sport’s addicting gameplay. In the last few years, there has been an exponential rise in the popularity of pickleball across the United States. It is now one of the fastest-growing sports in America with over 3 million players.
As the sport gained better popularity over the years, there are now thousands of pickleball players all over the world. In the US alone, there are over 4.8 million players registered with the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA).
The sport is popular among various age groups. However, it’s especially popular among senior citizens due to the low-impact nature of the game; they can also play it while seated.
Moreover, there are now many pickleball clubs, tournaments, and leagues around the country where you can play or watch pickleball games. If you want to get into the sport, it’s wise to browse the first community-based pickleball website for more information.
The Benefits of Pickleball
Pickleball is a great way to stay in shape and have fun at the same time. The sport provides several mental and physical benefits, such as improved coordination, balance, agility, hand-eye coordination, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. It is also a very social game as it can be played with two or four people.
Moreover, pickleball can be enjoyed by many ages — from young children to seniors — so it’s a great way to bring family and friends together. On top of that, it’s a relatively inexpensive sport. The paddles usually cost only around $20 and the balls cost $5 each. Most courts are also free to use or have minimal fees for open play.
Equipment Needed for Pickleball
For those interested in playing pickleball, the equipment you will need includes a paddle (which comes in different sizes) and a pickleball ball (either plastic or rubber). You will also need an indoor court made from hardwood floors or outdoor courts that are typically made from concrete.
Types of Pickleball Paddles
There are several different types of pickleball paddles available on the market, each with its own benefits and features. For example, some paddles are designed for power players who want to hit the ball hard, while others are for those who prefer a more controlled game play. The material used to make the paddle can also vary from wood to graphite or fiberglass.
Rules of Pickleball
The rules of pickleball are fairly simple and straightforward. It is usually played as doubles (2 v 2) or singles (1 v 1). The court layout and dimensions differ slightly depending on which rulebook you follow, but generally, it is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. The game is played to 11 points, but must be won by 2 points.
Conclusion
Pickleball has grown in popularity and is quickly becoming one of the most popular recreational sports in the world. It’s relatively low-cost and has easy-to-learn rules; it’s also fast-paced and can be enjoyed by many ages. Overall, it’s a great sport to get active, have fun, and meet new people.
You can view the original article HERE.
